First comic book to feature Superman sells for $6 million in Dallas

This week, the most valuable comic book globally was sold at Heritage Auctions in Dallas.

Action Comic No. 1, which introduced Superman to the world, was sold on Thursday for a staggering $6 million.

Regarded as the most significant and influential comic book ever published, it came with a letter from one of Superman’s creators, providing insights into the character’s original origin story.

“This is the starting point for all superheroes across any medium,” remarked Barry Sandoval, vice president of Heritage Auctions.

Described as one of the finest copies globally, the comic, priced at just 10 cents in 1938, is distinguished by its pristine condition. Only two other unrestored issues featuring Superman’s inaugural flight have received higher grades.

“The level of interest in this item has been unprecedented due to it being the best copy we’ve ever had of the ultimate comic,” stated Sandoval prior to the auction. “In the 70s, it was the first comic to fetch $1,000, then it became the sole comic worth $100,000, eventually reaching the million-dollar mark and beyond.”

The $6 million sale surpasses the previous world record held by none other than Superman himself. A copy of Superman No. 1 sold privately for $5.3 million in 2022, outstripping the previous record set by an Amazing Fantasy No. 15 comic book, which featured Spider-Man’s debut and sold for $3.6 million at Heritage Auctions in 2021.

Additionally, Thursday’s auction saw other records broken by comics such as the Avengers, Justice League, Wonder Woman, and Daredevil.

Heritage Auctions Comics & Comic Art Auction is set to continue until April 7.